LACROSSE, Wisc. (Blugolds.com)-The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Blugolds faced the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse Eagles on Wednesday night, pulling out a 54-44 win.
UW-Eau Claire made Blugold fans hold onto their seats from the start of the game. La Crosse came out firing, out-scoring the Blugolds 14-8 in the first quarter. The Blugolds answered with a 16-4 run to start the second quarter, the Blugolds capitalizing on UW-La Crosse's turnovers and heated-up from behind the arc. The Blugolds out-scored La Crosse 20-11 in the second period and headed into the locker room with momentum and a three-point advantage.
The third and fourth periods were intense and fast-paced, the game was tied 37-37 with 7 minutes remaining. The Blugolds went on a 12-2 run, with key three pointers from Teenie Lichtfuss (Oshkosh, WI/ Oshkosh Lourdes) and freshman Maddie Dunathan (Hortonville, WI). Kayla Hanley also hit two timely baskets and scored 6 of her 10 points during that key stretch. Eau Claire led by 10 with 2 minutes to go, with a handful of free throws by Lichtfuss locked in the ultimate ten –point win.
The game's leading scorer was Erin O'Toole (So.-Plymouth, MN/Hopkins) who recorded another double-double performance with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Lichtfuss put up 14 points, and Kayla Hanley (So.-Chippewa Falls, WI/Chippewa Falls) also contributed ten points and five rebounds off the bench.
The Blugolds (12-12, 7-6 WIAC) will be back in action as they close out their regular season play against UW-Whitewater on Saturday, Feb. 20th. Tip-off is set for 3:00pm in Whitewater, WI.